We felt so lucky and so blessed today!
Since Daddy was off for spring break, he always has great suggestions of things to do...this was one of those! This weekend our little town is hosting an annual balloon fiesta, but in the local news paper there was a schedule stating some some balloons would launch on Friday, so we went, hoping to avoid the weekend crowd!
At times, it felt like we were the only spectators there! Seriously. The pilots/crew was all so friendly and happy to see the handful of spectators there! But, here's the exciting part...after talking to the head balloon meister's wife, she suggested I walk downhill to catch the inflation of Smokey the Bear, so we did!
The pilot's wife of the Smokey balloon graciously gave my kids the collector card and stickers and then the lead pilot approached daddy and asked for help - this balloon is HUGE! Before we knew it, he was helping and we were on our way "chasing" Smokey! Oh, what memories returned...our pre-kid days of chasing the Wild Goose!
3 hours later, we are toasting the pilot for his FIRST solo on Smokey...it was a blast to hang out and celebrate and talk and visit with a great bunch of folks! We were asked to crew tomorrow and so far we've all voted YES!
Since today was unplanned, my camera battery went out so I couldn't catch good shots of Smokey, but I intend to get some impressive shots of the bear if we go manana! Here are a few of daddy working during the launch...the crew gave him a hard time about wearing shorts and concerned about the sizzling of his hairy legs! We all got to take part in the folding, unfolding, lifting, etc...man, I realized I am so out of shape, it's work!
Daddy at work:
Fun Facts about Friends of the Smokey Bear Balloon:
Height 97 ft
Weight 1130 lbs.
Volume 145,000 cu feet
Rip Stop Nylon 4670 sq yards
Hat Brim Diameter 72ft.
more information, go to www.smokeybearballoon.com
"Thanks again thanks Mike, Jennifer & Alan!"
1 comment:
Miss ABQ and the balloons - looks like you had a wonderful time!
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